A central point of interest was the presentation by Hamilton’s sustainability team, which recapped the achievements of 2023 and outlined objectives for 2024. The team, aiming for Sustainable Jersey Silver certification, stressed the need for enhanced collaboration with the municipality. Their 2023 accomplishments included Sustainable Jersey Bronze recertification, the organization of the green fair, and various recycling events. The team also emphasized their role in cultural events and education initiatives, particularly promoting plastic film recycling. For 2024, the team planned to continue support for cultural events, the green fair, and road cleanups, alongside a pursuit of grant opportunities to further sustainability efforts.

Another topic was public safety, as expressed through residents’ concerns about dangerous dogs in the neighborhood. Multiple residents recounted instances of aggression, which had escalated to the point where one resident sought legal counsel. The Chief of Police noted that the matter was being discussed with the prosecutor’s office, assuring that the police were involved in addressing the issue.

The council also delved into the discussion of the 2024 budget, with a focus on the public hearing and adoption process. This budgetary discourse extended to the appointment of Bonnie Cherry as a temporary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at a compensation of $75 per hour for a maximum of 15 hours per week. The financial discussion was further detailed through the examination of a bill list totaling $1,823,250.06, with inquiries raised regarding miscellaneous expenses, Easy Pass charges, and Verizon Wireless service bills.

The meeting included a review of new ordinances and amendments, particularly one on tree removal that sparked debate. A council member cited a previous incident with the clear-cutting of oak trees, raising concerns about the lack of input on the ordinance. The council also considered an ordinance related to privately owned salt storage, and the impoundment of shopping carts.

Additionally, the council addressed the introduction of a site-specific redevelopment plan for a property on Black Horse Pike, where questions and clarifications were sought about the plan’s specifics and implications. The issue of stormwater management was also broached, with discussions on ordinances addressing salt storage and tree removal aligning with existing plans and the process flowchart.

In terms of community engagement, a resident proposed the adoption of a Township flag and suggested the establishment of a subcommittee to review design options. This highlighted an aspect of community identity and involvement in the governance process.

The council’s agenda was rounded out with a variety of administrative actions, such as the approval of previous meeting minutes, updates from the administrator, solicitor, and engineer on the temporary CFO hiring, Underhill Park bids, and progress on the Cove project. Reports from committee members included a tour of the police department, upcoming events, and the summer EBT program. Furthermore, there were acknowledgments for the outgoing CFO and discussions on ongoing projects like the expansion of pre-kindergarten classrooms and the future of a historical building.